Anne and I flew out to Chicago on a cold and snowy Thursday afternoon. Tom very kindly met us at the airport and delivered us safely to our hotel room. That first night we joined Kristy, Cassie (her step-sister), and Kathy (Kristy's mom) for a relaxing dinner. On our walk back to the hotel we did a little shopping and got some fancy stinky soap for Anne.

Lunch in the big city

Julie and Andrew arrived on Friday. After lunch we had about five hours to play around before we needed to be at the rehearsal, so we set off toward the Loop to see the sights! It was windy and cold, especially in the shadow of the tall buildings, but the sun was out and we felt that particular exhilaration that only comes from being downtown in a huge city.

Many styles of architecture

April 6, 2007 - Friday afternoon The John Hancock building Observation Deck and The Loop
The Hancock building seen from the old Waterworks	Cityscape with Sears Tower	View of Navy Pier on Lake Michigan
Hancock building, observation deck	Looking down at the water tower	Dizzying, incredible
We might still recommend the Sears Tower observation deck for first-time visitors, but the Hancock Observatory provides a better view since the view includes the Sears Tower. Also, the Hancock has shorter lines, costs less, and has a great open-air section where you can hear the sounds - the hum - of the Great City below. More shots around The Loop:
Chicago Public Library	Walking under "The El"	Big-city neon everywhere

April 6, 2007 - Friday evening The Rehearsal in Oak Park and Rehearsal Dinner at the Windham Hotel
Oddly stylish Unity Temple	Designed by maverick American architect Frank Lloyd Wright about one hundred years ago, Unity Temple is today home to a liberal and free-thinking Unitarian congregation. It seemed the perfect place for our young heroes to publicly proclaim thier devotion to one another.	Temple entrance
A dramatic interior	Pulpit viewed from the balcony	The building has been voted #6 among the 100 most significant buildings in the United States. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the building, doors, stained glass windows, lighting fixtures, and even the furniture. The overall effect is one of beauty and quiet contemplation. We have plenty of time to explore and photograph the interior while waiting for Tom & Kristy to arrive.
After the rehearsal, walking from the train stop to the Wyndham Hotel, (where the couple is staying over the weekend), I am delighted to spot the famous Chicago Theater. As befits this wacky couple, the rehearsal dinner turns out to be a very casual and fun pizza party in their hotel room!	Chicago Theater	Rehearsal dinner

April 7, 2007 - Saturday morning It's Wedding Day!
Eppy's Deli in old Streeterville	After an unsuccesful 45-minute walk in search of breakfast, returning to our hotel hungry and crabby, we discover Eppy's Deli serving breakfast right next door. Grumpy old Larry Epstein himself assembles the most bodacious bagels and lox we've ever had. A mountain of smoked salmon, onion slice, tomato slice, lettuce, and cream cheese all piled on a poppy-seed bagel. Best. Breakfast. Ever. Then, while the women-folk get their hair done, the guys hang out with Tom at the couple's room at the Wyndham Hotel. Ben, Andrew, and Lawrence (Kristy's step-brother) run down to the beach to prepare a message visible from Tom & Kristy's room. Finally it's time to dress and head for the service in Oak Park.
On the beach by Navy Pier	View of the Wyndham	Looking down from their room
April 7, 2007 - Saturday afternoon The Wedding!  Tom Mancine and Kristy Boyer (click for wedding text & photos)

April 8, 2007 - Sunday midday As the newlyweds depart for their honeymoon in Belize, we four head to The Art Institute Of Chicago - a must-see on every trip to Chicago.
One of Anne's favorites	La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat	An Impressionist classic
Andrew expounds and explains	We like to discuss our interpretation of, or at least reaction to, almost every piece we see - especially here in the Modern wing. It often takes a lot of gesturing to fully convey our vision. Sometimes we just make up a story to fit the painting into. We learn a lot about the art, but also a lot about each other this way.	Anne describes what she sees

Soon it's time to leave Chicago.
Returning to our everyday lives is always bittersweet.

© Copyright Ben Mancine, 2007